So Many to Choose From - But Waterless Still Leads the Way

Waterless urinals, which were once a rarity, are now being produced by several manufacturers and can be found worldwide. 

However, among all the systems introduced, the Waterless No-Flush™ Urinal system from Waterless Co., Inc. has proven to be the most reliable, cost-effective, and easy to maintain. 

Unlike other systems, it does not require weekly/monthly flush-outs with water. When we say no-water, we mean no-water.

The trap/cylinder inserts, installed at the bottom of the urinal can quickly and easily be removed. 

What's more, when they need to be changed, they can be refilled effortlessly with BlueSeal®, designed to be used with our all no-water urinals. 

The Waterless EcoTrap® system is still the most affordable and effective trap/cylinder available in the market today.

For more information, visit Www.waterless.com, or call toll-free 800-244-6364.

More Questions and Answers About Waterless Urinals

The following is an interview with Klaus Reichardt, CEO and Founder of Waterless Co. Inc., for a university campus publication.

Question: What are some initial and long-term benefits for colleges that install waterless urinals?

Installing waterless urinal systems can offer several benefits to building managers.

Firstly, the installation cost is significantly lower as waterless urinals do not require flush handles, sensory systems, and incoming waterlines necessary for conventional urinals.

Secondly, waterless urinal systems rarely require plumbing repairs. For instance, one popular restaurant/bar manager shared that after a busy Saturday night, it was common for at least one of the restaurant's conventional urinals to be broken or clogged with debris. However, with waterless urinals, this rarely happens.

Thirdly, waterless urinals can help keep water bills in check, which is a significant cost-saving factor. Since 1991, the average water bill in the U.S. has risen about 50 percent, higher in some areas, making it a growing cost concern for building managers.

What Costs are Associated with Installing Waterless Urinals?

The most significant costs involve the trap/cylinders placed at the base of the urinal. Some no-water urinals require more frequent changing of these trap/cylinders than others, which can undermine the expected cost savings. Interestingly, the brands that require frequent trap/cylinder changes are also the most expensive, with some costing as much as $50 each. However, with our urinals, the trap/cylinder costs only about $10 per unit. 

How Much Water Do They Save?

A conventional urinal uses 20,000 to 45,000 gallons of water per year. A waterless urinal uses no water at all. Further, some manufacturers of these urinals recommend flushing a gallon of water down the urinal each month. We do not. That rarely is necessary with our urinals, further helping to keep water consumption to a minimum. 

How does waterless technology work?

The way waterless urinal systems work is quite simple. Instead of using water to flush away urine, gravity drains the urine into the trap/cylinder we just mentioned.

We use the Eco-Trap cylinder. It is filled with a thin layer of liquid sealant called BlueSeal, which must be refilled as necessary and, in most cases, is a quick and easy procedure. 

As the urine passes through the trap/cylinder and sealant, the urine overflows into a conventional drainpipe, much like a traditional urinal works.  

How long has your company offered these fixtures, and what has customer feedback been?

We have been in business since 1991. That tells you a lot about our products and our company. The urinals work and work well. Further quality customer service is always our goal. We keep our customers happy with our products and quality service.

What’s the Connection Between No-Water Urinals and LEED?

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program has gotten much more focused on reducing water consumption than ever before. Facilities that install waterless urinals often find the water saving is so significant that this is all they need to earn water-related points and pass this criterion of the LEED program.   

Can you comment on any other trends in water waste reduction you have noticed on college campuses?

It is hard to believe today, but at one time, toilets installed in schools and colleges in the U.S. used as much as eight gallons of water per flush (gpf). Today, they use 1.6 gallons of water per flush (gpf).

Similarly, pre-1992, conventional urinals used three to four gpf. Now, they use about one, but we consider that one too many.

The trend I see in the future is the increasing need to reduce water consumption around the world and to use water more efficiently. With each passing year, we see this as a growing concern.

Fortunately, waterless urinals are helping stem water consumption today, not only in North America but around the world.

Klaus Reichardt, CEO & Founder at Waterless Co Inc.  He is widely known as a thought leader and influencer when it comes to water related issues. Waterless company helps facilities use water more efficiently, reduce water consumption, and lower operating costs. 

www.waterless.com

7 Proven Pipe Winterizing Steps to Do Now

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Release

7 Proven Pipe Winterizing Steps to Do Now

Don't Forget the Antifreez

As the holiday season and wintry weather approach, some facilities, such as schools, will shut down for a couple of weeks, if not months. 

This means managers must take steps now to winterize plumbing in these buildings before they close.

Winterizing helps prevent leaks and breaks in the plumbing system. When water freezes inside the pipes, it expands and creates pressure that can damage pipes and plumbing fixtures.

 Winterizing also prevents sewer odors and gases from escaping into the building. This happens when the P-trap underneath drains dries out, allowing hydrogen sulfide and methane gas to enter the facility. 

 These gases can cause serious health hazards.

To avoid these problems, Klaus Reichardt, founder and CEO of Waterless Co. Inc, marketers of no-water urinals and other restroom products, suggests the following Seven Proven Pipe Winterizing Steps to do now: 

1.   Shut off the water supply. If permitted, this is the main water valve to the facility. If a pipe bursts, it could cause thousands of dollars in damage.

2.   Open all faucets and drains. This will allow water to drain out of the pipes.

3.   Drain the water heater. Turn off the electrical or gas service to the water heater, and then open the drain valve to drain the water heater.

4.   Add antifreeze to toilets. With the main water valve closed, flush toilets and pour antifreeze in the bowls. This prevents standing water from freezing. 

5.   Insulate exposed pipes. This will keep water in outdoor or exposed pipes from freezing. Use pipe insulation sleeves, wrapping, or foam pipe insulation.

6.   Pour a liquid ever prime into drains. This will keep the P-traps from drying out and releasing unpleasant odors and unhealthy gasses. A few ounces per drain is all that is needed.

7.   Maintain a heating source in the facility. Setting the thermostat at 40 to 50 degrees (F) helps protect pipes from the cold.

“As the days grow colder, the last thing a manager wants to find when returning to a facility is burst or frozen pipes,” adds Reichardt. “These steps will help prevent this.”

About Waterless

Waterless Co., Inc., Introduced waterless urinals to North America in 1991.  Based in Vista, Ca, the company has become a leader in water efficiency. The company offers a full line of Waterless No-Flush urinals, cleaning solutions, and other cost saving accessories. Visit: www.waterless.com 

Waterless Co. Inc.

1050 Joshua Way
Vista, CA 92081 USA
800.244.6364

sales@waterless.com

Media Contact: Robert Kravitz

Phone: 312-880-8176

E-Mail: robert@alturasolutions.com

a facility manager asks us about waterless urinals

I recently received the following question from a facility manager:

Hello Klaus,

Have there been any advances in the waterless urinal world? Although we all know they save water, many building owners and managers still believe they have odor issues. Is this true?

My Answer

Hello, and thank you for your interest in Waterless Urinals. I am happy you contacted me.

First, I must agree with you, waterless urinals are a terrific way to save water, promote sustainability, and reduce environmental impacts. They also have other benefits for building owners and managers, such as lowering maintenance costs, fewer plumbing problems, and improved hygiene.

However, some people may have misconceptions about waterless urinals and odor. This is understandable, as waterless urinals were not always as advanced and reliable as they are today.

Before going further, let me introduce myself. I am proudly viewed as a waterless urinal expert with over 30 years of experience in the industry. I have been involved in the development, marketing, and installation of waterless urinals and related technologies in North America and around the world since 1991.

Now to your question. The main causes of no-water urinal odor issues in the past were the following three issues:

1.    Many manufacturers of non-water urinals were requiring - and still require - the use of costly cartridges, which are placed at the bottom of the urinal. However, the sealing liquid used for these cartridges did not last long.

So, you understand, the cartridge and the sealing liquid are designed to prevent sewer odors from entering the restroom. Today, most manufacturers use cartridges and sealing liquids that perform more effectively and last longer. In fact, many recommend our BlueSeal sealing liquid. It lasts longer, is refillable, easy to use, and is less expensive than most other sealing liquids.

2.    The second issue comes down to cleaning. When no-water urinals were first being adopted, cleaning professionals were unsure how to clean them. Often, they used substantial amounts of water, which was unnecessary, could damage the cartridge, and reduced the amount of sealing liquid in the cartridge. Errors such as this have been eliminated.

Cleaning professionals are now familiar with waterless urinals and know how to clean them. Typically, all that is required is a sanitizer or disinfectant sprayed on the surfaces of the urinal and then wiped down. There rarely is deposit build-up of any kind on these urinals so no scrubbing is necessary. 

3.    Finally, many cleaning professionals did not know how often to replenish the sealing liquid. It’s quite simple. But once again, cleaning workers were not taught how to do this, which often resulted in odors.

I hope this answers your question and clears up any doubts you may have about waterless urinals. If you have any further questions or would like to learn more about our products and services, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Klaus Reichardt

Can You Imagine a Day Without Water?

Waterless® Co., Inc.

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 Press Release  

Can You Imagine a Day Without Water?

 
Vista, CA. – October 3, 2023 - Imagine a day without water.  

·       How would it feel?

·       What would you do?

·       How would it change your life?

These are some of the questions the Imagine Day Without Water program is asking us to think about.

This national day of action is on October 19, 2023, each year.  It is a global initiative to raise awareness and inspire action on the water crisis that affects millions of people around the world.  

According to Water.org, 771 million people currently lack access to safe water and nearly one million people die annually due to the lack of safe water.  

“The numbers are staggering,” says Klaus Reichardt, CEO and Founder of Waterless Co. Inc. manufacturers of no-water urinals and other restroom products.   

“But they don't tell the whole story. Behind these statistics, there are human beings who suffer from the consequences of water scarcity and contaminated water.” 

He says this is why Waterless Co. is proud to support Imagine a Day Without Water and join the global movement to make water a priority for everyone.  

“We believe that waterless [urinal] technology is one way to help reduce water consumption, save money, and protect the environment. Fortunately, more no-water urinals are being installed around the world today than ever before.”  

But Reichardt adds that waterless products are not enough to solve the water crisis.

“We need collective action, political will, and social change to ensure that everyone has access to safe and sufficient water, and one more thing, learns how to use water efficiently.”

He adds that by participating and recognizing this special day and all that it means, “we will gain a deeper understanding of the value of water and the urgency of the water crisis.”

To learn more about Imagine a Day Without Water and how you can get involved, visit their website or follow us on social media. Adds Reichardt, “together, we can make a difference for ourselves, our communities, and our planet.”

About Waterless

Waterless Co. Inc. has established a well-respected reputation as being an innovative manufacturer of no-water urinal systems.  Based in Vista, Ca, the more than thirty-year-old company is the oldest manufacturer of waterless urinals in North America.  The company offers a full line of Waterless No-Flush urinals, cleaning liquids, and cost saving accessories. Visit: www.waterless.com 

Waterless Co. Inc.

1050 Joshua Way
Vista, CA 92081 USA
800.244.6364
sales@waterless.com

Media Contact: Robert Kravitz

Phone: 312-880-8176

E-Mail: robert@alturasolutions.com

Cities Facing the Most Severe Water Challenges In 2022

Image Courtesy Smart Water & Waste Water Magazine

USA: It now appears that those cities experiencing droughts and water shortages in the past couple of years are likely to experience water shortages in 2022.

This is according to Waterless Co., Inc, manufacturers of no-water urinals, which monitors water conditions around the globe.

According to the manufacturer, below are the six cities most likely to experience serious to acute water shortages in 2022:

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town, which was close to Day Zero a couple of years back, has made progress in using water more efficiently. But with a growing population and antiquated water infrastructure, it faces serious water challenges in 2022.

Mexico City, Mexico

About half of this city’s water is shipped in from other parts of the country, which increases the cost of water considerably. Many residents can afford or are allowed access to running water about once per week.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

In 2015, Sao Paulo water utility companies declared a “state of calamity” as water reserves held just five percent of their maximum water supply. Since then, things have improved, but low precipitation and deforestation of the Amazon rainforest have left the city in severe drought conditions.

Beijing, China

This capital city gets its water from farming areas north and south of the city. But without water, Chinese farmers cannot grow crops for the country’s 1.3 billion people. Experts say China faces a daily balancing act, determining how much water should go to Beijing and how much to farmers.

Los Angeles, USA

The only American city on the list, the past few years have been some of the driest in more than 1,200 years. Improved water storage and water efficiency measures have helped Los Angeles stay water solvent, but it still faces serious water challenges.

Bangalore, India

Known as the “Silicon Valley of India,” the population has doubled since the 2000s and continues to grow. Some predicted the city would be unlivable by 2020 due to lack of water. It survived, but only because water is hauled in by trains and trucks daily.

“The United Nations predicts this decade will be our most difficult in history when it comes to water,” says Klaus Reichardt, CEO and Founder of Waterless Co., Inc. “Our only option is to reduce consumption and use water more efficiently.”

Waterless Co. Inc., based in Vista, Ca, is the oldest manufacturer of waterless urinals and related products in North America. Along with waterless urinals, the company offers a full line of cleaning solutions and sealants and trap/cylinders, all designed for waterless and other brands of no-water urinals.

Six Tips on Restroom Renovations

Faucet Leak

Many facilities are now retrofitting their restrooms. Among the reasons they are doing this is to help keep restrooms cleaner and healthier, reduce water consumption, and find ways to lessen cleaning needs.  In most commercial facilities, cleaning workers spend more time cleaning restrooms than any other area of a facility.

If you are retrofitting your restrooms, here are six ways to keep restrooms cleaner, healthier, and reduce water consumption.

1.       Install more touch-free devices. Most facilities have been going touchless for years. Toilets, urinals, and faucets no longer need to be touched for the fixtures to operate. But why stop there? Soap dispensers and paper-towel dispensers should also be touch-free. Installing these systems helps eliminate cross-contamination, making handwashing much more sanitary. What’s more, many of these systems can be adjusted so they only release a measured amount of soap or paper per user-request. This minimizes costly waste.

2.     Select waterless urinals. Every couple of years, studies are conducted that determine the market future and growth of waterless urinals. No-water urinals, now available from many manufacturers, have proven to be odor-free and sanitary. Plus, many administrators select them because they cost less to purchase and install than traditional urinals that require flush valves, which can be costly and require extra plumbing, which is not needed with waterless urinals. The big benefit of no-water urinals, of course, is significant water reduction. 

3.     Consider plastic partitions. Many older restrooms have metal partitions. These can be heavy, requiring them to be bolted to both walls and floors, which makes cleaning the floors a challenge. Soil build-up around the bolted connections is very common, as well as unsightly. Further, metal partitions can be easily scratched, which means they are more vulnerable to vandalism and graffiti. Plastic partitions, on the other hand, weigh less, so they need only be connected to surrounding walls, making it far easier to clean the floors. In addition, many plastic partitions are designed to be graffiti- and vandalism-resistant, so stalls and the entire restroom continue to look their best.

4.     Install new floors. New flooring can make a significant difference, not only in the appearance of the restroom but also in cleaning and maintenance. For years, many camp, park, and rec restrooms have had tile-and-grout restroom floors installed—often with small tiles. Although such floors can be attractive and provide slip-resistance, keeping them clean and sanitary is all-too-often a never-ending battle as they age. When installing new restroom floors, select seamless, one-piece epoxy flooring or a similar floor surface. These floors have waterproofing capabilities, can be pitched for drainage, are durable, and are much easier to clean and to keep clean.

5.     Select automatic sanitizers on toilets and urinals. These systems are often programmable and designed for use on many existing fixtures. They release a disinfectant after each flush of a toilet or urinal, coating the fixture and surrounding surfaces. They keep the fixtures cleaner and healthier, reduce odors, and can shorten cleaning frequencies throughout the day. 

6.     Purchase toilet-seat cleaning systems. Taking toilet cleaning a step further, restroom users can also do their part to help keep toilets cleaner and healthier. With some systems, a wave of the hand over the toilet activates a mechanism that automatically and quickly cleans, disinfects, and dries the toilet after each use. The entire process occurs without contact, ensuring sanitary conditions. 

Problems with Water-Using Urinals

As buildings slowly open around the country, building owners and facility managers are discovering several problems with traditional – water-using - urinals. Invariably, these problems are significant enough that a plumber must be called in to fix them.

Lack of use during the pandemic is the root cause of many of these issues – but not always.  Others are more common problems that frequently occur with traditional urinals. 

So, what are some of these common problems? Let’s take a look.

Clogged Drain Walls

Water in a traditional urinal is released from small holes located at the top of the urinal. These holes can become clogged by calcium build-up. They can also become clogged due to other minerals in the water. This is especially true in regions of the country where the water is hard. What typically happens when these holes clog is the flow is reduced. In most cases, a plumber must be called in to clear the holes. If ignored, the situation can worsen, little if any water will be released, and bacteria can build up in the urinal, potentially causing odors.

Unpleasant Odors

If there is a drain blockage - indicated by the urinal draining more slowly than usual - this could cause water to pour onto the restroom floor and allow odors to be released. This is especially true of older urinals and older plumbing. While solutions can be poured down the drain to help eliminate the blockage, a plumber usually must come in with a router to address the issue.

Water Leaks

Water leaks from urinals can be serious. Typically, the leaking water ends up on the floor. The tile and grout floors in most public restrooms can become very slippery when this happens. These floors have smooth surfaces with little or no traction to help prevent falls. The leaks typically come from pipes connected to the flush mechanism at the top of the urinal or base, where water is drained away. We should mention one more problem: when water leaks, water bills rise. Even one small leak can result in dozens of gallons of water wasted every month.

Low Water Pressure

Guess what happens when water leaks come from several urinals and other water-using devices and fixtures? These leaks may result in not having enough water available to flush waste in urinals and toilets. It’s just one more reason leaks should always be fixed as soon as possible. Leaks can lower water pressure for the entire building.

Changes in Water Color

Sometimes, when flushing a urinal, the water looks discolored. Often this discoloration is caused by rust. The pipes leading to the urinal can become corroded over time, and this causes the water to have a dark or unusual color. The rust can stain the urinal and cause unusual odors. These rust stains can usually be removed, but it takes time and special cleaning solutions and tools to do the job. Typically, what needs to be done is replace the rusty pipes delivering water to the urinal, which can be a costly procedure.

So, why are we discussing all these issues?

First, and again due to the pandemic, more buildings are experiencing urinal-related problems. But there is another reason. Virtually every issue discussed here does not occur when no water or waterless urinals are installed. No pipes are needed to deliver water to waterless urinals, so rust stains are not an issue. There are no changes in water color because no water is used with waterless urinals. No odors and no clogs.

And one more thing. With these problems eliminated and waterless urinals installed, no longer a need to keep the plumber on speed dial - a significant cost savings.

New LEED Version Focuses on Reducing Water Consumption | Where Waterless Urinals Fit In

LEED has released its latest version of standards, V4.1, which includes several updates to the LEED certification program. However, with this version, there is considerably more emphasis on water – and using water more efficiently and wisely.

But before we go into details, let’s ensure we are all on board as to what LEED is. LEED is part of the U.S. Green Building Council. Here is how the organization is defined on their website:

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Available for virtually all building types, LEED provides a framework for healthy, efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership. 

In its early days, LEED put considerable emphasis on energy and fuel conservation and the use of green-certified cleaning solutions. Over the years, its scope has increased considerably, expanding to how facilities are built, the materials used to make those facilities, how they are operated and maintained, and now, water and water management systems in these facilities.

We should also know that since its founding in 1993, LEED has had a significant impact on facilities and the owners and managers of these facilities. Today, over 93,000 facilities are LEED-certified or registered for LEED certification.

For a facility to earn this certification, it must receive so many points or credits. At one time, reducing water consumption in a facility by 11 percent would earn a specific number of LEED credits. But now the tables have been turned. To even be considered for LEED certification, a facility must show that it has reduced water consumption by 11 percent or more. In other words, it is now a prerequisite.

Further, because nearly 20 percent of LEED’s certification points now relate to water, before awarding LEED points, version 4.1 compares the water performance of one building to comparable high-performing buildings.

Tracking Water Consumption

Being LEED certified has always involved providing the organization with considerable amounts of data. But this data serves an essential purpose, especially regarding water. The data is the only way to track water reduction progress. Further, it helps building owners and managers know what and where improvements are needed when it comes to water reduction to meet LEED standards.

So, what steps can facilities take to earn these points and how many can they earn? Below are the corresponding point values:

•         By installing a rainwater management system, a facility can earn up to three points.

•         No or low-cost potable water preservation one point.

•         More water-efficient cooling systems, three points.

•         Innovation in new construction related to water reduction, 1 point.

•         Overall exemplary performance, 2 points.

•         Reduce indoor water use by 6 points.

A Closer Look at Indoor Water Use

 It is evident that most LEED points associated with water revolve around minimizing indoor water consumption. Therefore, how can commercial facilities like offices, schools, airports, or similar establishments reduce water consumption over the long term? Here are a few approaches they can adopt:

Install automated software systems that track water usage in the facility. In larger buildings, it's best to install multiple systems that monitor water consumption in different areas to alert managers of any issues in those areas and even regulate water usage in some parts of the building. 

Place a greater focus on water usage in restrooms, where most water is used. Installing water-efficient faucets that use aerators can dramatically reduce consumption while still meeting user satisfaction. 

Toilets are another significant contributor to water consumption. Even if they were initially designed to use 1.6 gallons of water per flush, age, and wear can cause them to use more water. In most cases, toilets should be replaced after about seven years to prevent excessive water usage. 

Waterless urinals should be installed. Installing waterless urinals can often help facilities meet LEED requirements for water reduction without making any other modifications.

Benefits of LEED Certification

Let's address one more issue. Why is LEED certification necessary? Are facilities just making their facilities more efficient, greener, and sustainable because it's the "right thing to do?" Hardly.

Today, commercial buildings are finding it very difficult to get tenants. If a facility is LEED certified, that is a big feather in this facility's cap, helping secure tenants.

Reducing water consumption promotes sustainability. According to the World Economic Forum, 60 percent of organizations globally have developed sustainability standards because they believe sustainability will be crucial to their market differentiation and financial performance in the coming years.

Finally, reducing water consumption saves money. Remember, we pay for water twice: once it's delivered and once again when it is taken away. The less water used and then returned to treatment facilities can be a considerable savings for large facilities.

Klaus Reichardt is CEO and founder of Waterless Co, Inc, pioneers in advancing water efficiency.  Reichardt founded the company in 1991 with the goal of establishing a new market segment in the plumbing fixture industry with water efficiency in mind. Reichardt is a frequent writer and presenter, discussing water conservation issues.  He can be reached at klaus@waterless.com

How We Keep French Fries Looking Their Best – (hint, it starts with water)

Possibly, you are unaware of this, but back in 1967, the United States Department of Agriculture prepared quality standards for frozen french fries. Most of the fries we purchase in grocery stores, as well as most of those used in restaurants, start out frozen.

These standards were developed to help Americans select french fries that are high quality based on how they look and even how they taste. But this was not the first set of standards for French fries. The first one was created in 1946. They were updated in 1966. And then again, a year later. 

While the Department does not say there is a correlation, it is believed that the third set of standards was developed due to the virtually overnight success of McDonald's. By the late 1960s, McDonald's franchises were cropping up by the hundreds around the country, and the Department of Agriculture believed another review was necessary.

So, what do these latest standards cover? Here are some of the critical factors. We should add these only apply to fries marketed in the U.S.:

Grade A. To be classified as Grade A, fries must all have a good flavor, color, uniform size and be practically defect-free. Good is defined as not tasting rancid or bitter and free of off-flavors or odors. There are two types of Grade A standards. One applies to strip-style fries, like the ones we get at McDonald's, and the other to non-strip fries, such as cut potatoes that are then fried. 

Grade B. Fries in this classification must have a reasonably good flavor and color, be reasonably uniform in size and symmetry, be reasonably free of defects, and have a reasonably good texture. As you can see, the keyword here is reasonably, which means the fries are somewhat lacking in flavor and may have objectional odors and flavors.  

Note that few scientific measurement systems determine Grade A or Grade B fries. It's virtually all subjective.  The standards also examine the following:

Variety: Refers to the types of potatoes used to make frozen french fries. The most common varieties are Russet Burbank, Idaho Russet, and Yellow Finn.

Size: The minimum and maximum size of the fries as determined by length, width, and thickness.

Color: The fries' minimum and maximum color intensity. Quality fries should be somewhat yellow, orange, or red. 

Defects: This refers to those blemishes we mentioned earlier. The most common defects are black specks, bruises, and cuts.

Texture: There are also minimum and maximum firmness requirements as to the texture, which is often determined by the moisture content of the fries.

Water and Fries

Here is where water comes into the picture. Water is crucial to produce french fries.

According to the Global Development Research organization, one serving of french fries requires six gallons of water. On July 13, the annual National French Fries Day in the U.S., Fox News reported that Americans eat more than 4.5 billion pounds of french fries annually. Calculating the exact amount of water needed for this is nearly impossible. However, we do know that the cultivation of potatoes and subsequent processing into french fries is one of the most water-intensive industries in the country.

This poses a new and severe challenge for potato growers who depend on underground water sources, called aquifers, for irrigation. These sources are depleting rapidly due to overuse, drought, and inefficient water use. Without water, farmers cannot grow potatoes.  

Recently in Minnesota, a prominent corporate farmer violated their water permits and pumped more than 500 gallons of water per minute from underground aquifers. Some rural people woke up one day and found they had no water as a result. This is no longer sustainable in Minnesota or anywhere else in the country.

When it comes to water, here’s how we must look at things. Robert Glennon, in his book Water Follies, says: "We have to think of our water supply as a giant milkshake in a glass…with a limitless number of straws in the glass, all sucking up the milkshake – i.e., our water – at the same time." When you look at it that way, you realize there's only one thing we can do: be more water efficient and use water wisely.

Waterless Co., Inc is a pioneer in water efficiency. We are the go-to company when it comes to reducing water consumption, understanding the many benefits of waterless urinals, and finding ways to use water more efficiently.  For more information, contact a Waterless Co Specialist.